This and That...

 A tin flower that we could not resist bringing home with us surrounded by some of the pretties now in bloom.

 Flowers for a small celebration for two of "my girls" from our former child development center days. As the closing of the center approached last June, staff made plans to move on to new career paths. We got together to celebrate the graduation of one from Mercer University with her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood/Special Education. The other is completing her training in neuromuscular therapy and was nominated to represent her technical college in the state GOAL competition... she was first runner up... representing nearly 200,000 students! 

Blue and pink hydrangea bushes are bursting into bloom! 

Lots of opportunity to play with light and shadows. The retirement magnolia has over a dozen buds. The newly planted hostas are sending up flowers. The confederate jasmine is making a comeback after way too much cold weather. The roses are blooming along the split rail fence.

There's much to see and enjoy in our little neck of the woods these days. I am appreciating all this loveliness a lot more after the cold weather and rain seemed to drag on forever. Hope you are seeing new life in your neighborhood, too. Planned on joining Mosaic Monday to see what's happening all around, but due to severe weather problems no MM this week!

Hope you have a wonderful week!
Smiles...
Susan

i carry your heart...

 

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother never. A mother is something absolutely new. And so in you the child, your mother lives on and through your family continues to live...so at this time, look after yourself and your family as you would your mother, for through you all, she will truly never die. 

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

I didn't intend to do a Mother's Day post... I have written about my mama last year here and here on Mama's birthday, too. Then today while looking for family pictures to send a cousin, I found this one and the quote...

 

By today's standards, she would not be extraordinary, while 62 years ago a woman her age (41 1/2 when I was born) would have more likely been a grandmother rather than mama to a six year old and six month old. She was asked on many occasions by well meaning folks about her "grandchildren," always graciously saying we were her blessings with no generation between. She taught by example. I hope that in the ways that count, I am following her lead. 

e.e. cummings said it perfectly... "i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)." She is always in my heart...she lives on through me, my brother, and her grandchildren. 

Happy Mother's Day! Hope you have a wonderful week...Susan

Anticipation…

One of the most delightful things about a garden
is the anticipation it provides.
W. E. Johns

Winter was a long drawn out affair this year. Cold weather in South Georgia is suppose to be an occasional thing...maybe a few near freezing mornings with a couple below freezing... most days should have lows of 40ish with highs near 60 or so, but not so this year! April, the first full month of Spring, should have been warm with a bit of cool weather just before Easter, but not so this year! 

However, all the unfamiliar cool and rainy springtime days were made bearable by my garden discovery...
two (yippee two!) peony buds! I purchased, via ebay, a variety of peony plants last spring. The kind seller shared information, but not much encouragement that peonies would flourish this far south. 

Well, even if these are the only two of the season...they were sensational and so worth the wait! Perhaps the unusually cold winter made them feel more at home? Whatever...I could not be happier with the outcome. They were so worth the wait!

Hope your week is filled with all things that bring you contentment and joy!
Smiles...Susan

Linking to Mosaic Monday. Please visit and see what's happening on this lovely Monday in May!

Flowers in the House ~ Thank you, Springtime!

Finally... the cold seems to have gone! Some cool, rainy days, but no freezing temps...YIPPEE! I really am not gloating... for anyone who is still experiencing unseasonably cold weather, your springtime will come. I am just happy to be back where we are suppose to be here in the South. Yesterday and today, we have had severe thundershowers and now we are under tornado watches... unsettling, but typical weather here! We do know how to react to this type weather... snow and ice, just freak us out!

The azaleas in the front beds are in full bloom. The dogwood is waning. The cold March weather was not kind to my dogwood this year. Fortunately, my neighbors and others about town are maintaining their beauty. These little bouquets make kitchen chores so much more pleasant! Each blue bottle holds one stem from the azalea...little pink pom poms!

One climbing rose, a couple of stems of Indian Hawthorne, and lemon basil were all gathered from around the yard. The lemon basil has rebounded with a vengeance! The barren pot is now covered with lovely fresh basil. 

The azaleas are pretty, pink perfection!

Lovely purple iris surrounded by more Indian Hawthorne, and a sprig from a blooming tree on the fence row (No idea what kind!). Three irises are blooming in the back flowerbed. I could only cut one...they were just too pretty outside!

I am so excited to see the perennials coming back. There are about ten or so peonies of the 30 I planted last year. Since I am on the lowest edge of their growing zone, I am happy with that. Did I say that one of the plants has two lovely buds? I have seen so many beautiful FITH offerings with peonies, I just had to give them a try. Keeping my fingers crossed for a few pretty blossoms this year. The hydrangeas are filling in nicely and the ginormous gardenia bush is lush and green. Looking forward to May flowers!

Thanks, Jane for another chance to dress up the house a bit with Flowers in the House! Follow the link below and visit Jane and the other participants. 

Flowers in the House

Good wishes for a pleasant week!

Smiles...Susan

March ~ Scavenger Hunt

After trying for several months to meet Made with Love's Scavenger Hunt challenge, I have (somewhat!) succeeded! Seems that my intentions are good and then "life" just gets in the way.

9 A.M. - My favorite household appliance

Berries - Podocarpus shrub

Lit Up - 16 Candles on the 

G-daughter's birthday cake

Grate - a bit of a stretch on this one!

Working - Son pressure washing his home

Brickwork - and a handsome lizard

Cutlery - Mama's silverware - Lady Esther 1935

Flowers - too pretty to just choose one! 

Thanks PicMonkey.com for the collage.

Ticket stub - Local high school musical - Grease

Crisp - A lovely crisp, blue sky

Colorful door - The bright, springtime carrot 

on the back door!

M is for ~ Memories

Loving memories of our dear friend, Cindy, who lost her battle with cancer in mid-March. 

Please visit Made with Love's Scavenger Hunt for March. Make some new friends and see some awesome photos from around the world. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles...Susan